CN105593959B - Easy-to-install home automation light switch - Google Patents

Abstract

A light switch plate (32) includes a wireless transmitter (36) for transmitting a control signal to a smart light assembly (50). The light switch plate (32) is placed above a conventional light switch (22) and prevents a user from further manipulating the conventional light switch (22). The light switch plate (32) includes another switch (40) that a user can manipulate to cause the transmitter (36) to transmit a control signal to turn a light of the smart light assembly (50) on or off.

Description

Easy-to-install home automation light switch

technical field

The invention relates to the field of wirelessly controlled electrical appliances. More particularly, the present invention relates to wirelessly controlled light assemblies and corresponding light switches.

Background technique

Electric lamps are used to supply light in domestic interiors, in public areas, in commercial areas, and in many other scenarios. Typically, electric lights receive power from an AC source, such as the standard 120V AC that is supplied through the grid to most homes. Conventional lights are typically turned on and off by manipulating a switch that couples the light to a power supply.

In recent years, some lights have included wireless receivers that enable the lights to be turned on and off wirelessly by a person operating a special wireless transmitter that sends wireless commands to the lights. However, this can be confusing and inconvenient for people accustomed to using conventional light switches.

Contents of the invention

One embodiment of the present invention is a light switch plate configured to fit in place of a conventional light switch plate for a conventional light switch. When the light switch plate is installed, the light switch plate covers the conventional light switch in a manner that prevents manipulation of the conventional light switch by a user.

The light switch board includes a wireless transmitter, a battery, and a second light switch. The wireless transmitter can send wireless commands to the lights to turn the lights off or on. The second light switch is coupled to the wireless transmitter. The second light switch is positioned on the light switch plate to enable user manipulation of the second light switch. When the user manipulates the second light switch, the wireless transmitter sends a wireless signal to the light to turn the light on or off. The battery provides power to the wireless transmitter.

In one embodiment, the light switch plate can be installed by a user by removing screws from the conventional light switch plate mounted on the wall, removing the conventional light switch plate, and using the screws to A new light switch plate is secured to the wall in place of the conventional light switch plate. This can easily be done using only a screwdriver and without having to turn off power to the light switch.

One embodiment includes a smart light bulb configured to fit in place of a conventional light bulb. The smart light bulb includes a wireless receiver that receives the wireless signal from the wireless transmitter of the light switch plate.

In one embodiment, a user may install the smart light bulb by unscrewing the regular light bulb from a regular light bulb socket and by screwing the smart light bulb into the regular light bulb socket. The smart light bulb can be installed without shutting off power to the conventional light bulb socket.

In one embodiment, the conventional light switch is turned to the "on" position prior to removal of the conventional light switch plate. This ensures that AC power is supplied to the bulb socket. Since the light switch plate covers the conventional light switch after installation, the conventional light switch remains in the "on" position. Control circuitry in the smart light bulb can then turn the smart light bulb on and off according to the wireless signal transmitted by the wireless transmitter of the light switch plate.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A illustrates a conventional light switch and a conventional light switch plate.

Figure IB illustrates a light switch plate including a wireless transmitter, according to one embodiment.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a light switch board according to one embodiment.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of a smart light assembly according to one embodiment.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of a control module according to one embodiment.

Figure 5 illustrates a dwelling including multiple light switch panels and a smart light assembly, according to one embodiment.

Figure 6 illustrates a smart light assembly according to one embodiment.

Detailed ways

FIG. 1A illustrates the components of a conventional light switch assembly 10 according to one embodiment. Conventional light switch assembly 10 includes light switch 22 secured to mounting bracket 23, light switch plate 24, mounting frame 27, mounting hole 28a in mounting frame 27, mounting hole 28b in light switch plate 24, screw 29, and screw 31 .

The mounting bracket 23 is secured to the wall by screwing a screw 31 through the hole in the mounting bracket 23 into the mounting hole 28a. After the mounting bracket 23 is secured to the wall, the light switch plate 24 is secured to the wall by tightening the screws 29 through the mounting holes 28b in the light switch plate 24 and through the mounting bracket 23 . With the light switch plate 24 secured to the mounting bracket 23 , the light switch 22 protrudes through a hole 26 in the light switch plate 24 . After the light switch plate 24 has been secured to the mounting bracket 23, the user can toggle the light switch 22 between the on position and the off position.

Wire 30 couples light switch 22 to the lights controlled by light switch 22 . In one example, wire 30 carries AC voltage. When the switch 22 is in the on position, AC voltage is supplied to the lamp and the lamp is turned on. When the switch is in the off position, no AC voltage is supplied to the lamp and the lamp is turned off.

In one example, the light is part of a smart light assembly that includes a wireless receiver configured to receive wireless signals that turn the light on and off. A user holding a remote control device can transmit a control signal from the remote control device to the smart light to turn the smart light on or off. The receiver in the smart light assembly receives the control signal and turns the light on or off according to the control signal. The smart light assembly includes switching functionality that allows the lights to be turned on or off remotely.

The smart light assembly is also controlled by the light switch 22 as previously described. Since the light switch 22 is operable to connect or disconnect the smart light assembly from AC power, the smart light assembly may only function when the light switch 22 is in the on position. When the light switch 22 is in the on position, the smart light assembly receives AC voltage. In one example, a smart light assembly includes circuitry to convert AC voltage to DC voltage. A DC voltage may then be selectively supplied to the lights of the smart light assembly to turn the lights on or off.

FIG. 1B illustrates a wireless light switch assembly 20 according to one embodiment. Wireless light switch assembly 20 includes many of the same components as conventional light switch assembly 10 described with respect to FIG. 1A . The wireless light switch assembly 20 includes a light switch 22 coupled to a mounting bracket 23 . The mounting bracket 23 is coupled to the wall by tightening the screws 31 through the screw holes 28a of the light switch frame 27, as previously described.

The wireless light switch assembly 20 further includes a wireless light switch plate 32 . The circuit board 34 is coupled to the light switch board 32 . The circuit board 34 includes a transmitter 36 and a battery 38 . Switch 40 is coupled to circuit board 34 .

The wireless light switch board 32 can control the smart light assembly. In particular, the transmitter 36 of the light switch plate 32 can send a control signal to the smart light assembly to turn on or off the light of the smart light assembly. A user may depress switch 40, which causes transmitter 36 to transmit a control signal to the smart light assembly. The receiver of the smart light assembly receives the control signal and causes the switching functionality of the smart light assembly to turn the light on or off.

As previously described, a user controlling a smart light assembly by operating a remote control may also wish to turn the lights on or off by manipulating a light switch on the wall. It is not uncommon for a user to walk into an unlit room and manipulate the light switch 22 out of habit to turn on the light. It is also common for the user to leave the room and turn off the light by manipulating the light switch 22 to the off position. In this case, subsequent users who desire to turn the lights on by using the remote control will not be able to turn the lights on because the light switch 22 is in the off position and no AC power is being supplied to the smart light assembly.

The light switch 22 can be replaced with a smart light switch that enables the user to turn the light on by using the remote control even if the light is turned off eventually by turning the smart light switch to the off position. This can be done in several different ways. For example, the wiring inside the wall can be changed so that the wall switch 22 does not control whether AC power is supplied to the smart light assembly. Mounting bracket 23 may then be replaced with a light switch that wirelessly and closely controls the smart light assembly in a manner similar to a remote control. However, for a user desiring to include wireless functionality in a smart light assembly while retaining wall switch functionality, this approach may require extensive electrical work in terms of rerouting the wires or electrically disconnecting and removing the mounting bracket 23 . This will usually involve shutting off power to some part of the home or other building by operating a circuit breaker. In many cases, it will be necessary to hire a licensed electrician to ensure the job is done safely and properly.

A light switch plate 32 according to one embodiment avoids many of the disadvantages mentioned above. Light switch plate 32 may be installed without shutting off power to light switch 22 . The light switch plate 32 can be easily and quickly installed where a conventional light switch plate 24 was previously installed. This can be done by removing the screw 29 from the light switch plate 24 of FIG. 1A and removing the light switch plate 24 from the wall. Next, the light switch 22 is turned to the on position so that AC power is supplied to the smart light assembly. Next, the light switch plate 32 is placed over the light switch 22 and the light switch plate 32 is screwed to the mounting bracket 23 by screwing the screw 29 into the mounting bracket 23 through the screw hole 28b. The light switch plate 32 includes a protrusion 33 that covers the light switch 22 such that the light switch 22 can no longer be manipulated by a user without removing the light switch plate 32 . All this can be done conveniently, safely and inexpensively using only a screwdriver and without turning off electricity.

The switch 40 on the light switch plate 32 can be used to turn on and off the lights of the smart light assembly. When a user manipulates the light switch 40, the transmitter 36 transmits a wireless control signal to the smart light assembly. The wireless receiver of the smart light assembly receives the control signal and turns the light on or off. A user can turn the lights on or off by manipulating a switch 40 on the light switch plate 32 .

Since the light switch 22 was placed in the on position before the light switch plate 32 was installed, AC power continues to be supplied to the smart light assembly. Thus, since AC power is supplied to the smart light assembly under all circumstances, the switching functionality of the smart light assembly can always turn the light on or off.

Smart light assemblies, examples of which are shown with respect to Figures 3 and 7, can also be installed safely and easily. In one example, the smart light assembly is configured to screw into a conventional light bulb socket. Thus, a user desiring to have smart light functionality in their home may purchase a smart light assembly, unscrew a conventional light bulb from a conventional light bulb socket, and screw the smart light assembly into the conventional light bulb socket. In one example, a smart light assembly includes a wireless receiver, control circuitry, switching functionality, an AC to DC converter, and one or more lights. The lamps may be LED, incandescent, halogen or other types of lamps.

The light switch plate 32 and remote control can be paired with the smart light assembly such that the smart light assembly will receive and act on the control signals sent by the remote control and light switch plate 32 . This allows a user to turn the lights on or off using a remote control or the switch 40 of the light switch plate 32 .

The light switch plate 32 may be shaped differently than shown in FIG. 1B , as will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the lamp of the present invention. The light switch plate 32 may be shaped in a manner suitable to cover the light switch 22 and allow the transmitter 36 to communicate with the smart light assembly.

In FIG. 1B , circuit board 34 includes only transmitter 36 and battery 38 . In fact, circuit board 34 may contain many other circuit components, such as controllers, memory, wireless receivers, or any other suitable components. In one embodiment, the light switch board 32 includes a plurality of circuit boards 34 .

The light switch 22 has been shown as a conventional light switch that toggles up and down between an on position and an off position. However, light switch 22 may be any other kind of light switch, including sliders, knobs, depressible buttons, or any other suitable type of switch. Likewise, the light switch 40 may differ from that shown in FIG. 1B . For example, light switch 40 may be a conventional toggle light switch, slider, knob, or any other suitable switch, button, or input suitable for causing transmitter 36 to transmit a control signal to the smart light assembly.

The light switch plate 32 can consume very little electricity. In one embodiment, the light switch plate 32 only consumes power when transmitting control signals to the smart light assembly. This can be done using a minimal amount of electricity. This means that the battery 38 can last for many years without having to be replaced.

The components shown and described with respect to FIG. 1B are given by way of example only. Many other types of components and configurations may be used to implement the light switch plate 32 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the light switch board 32 transmits commands to the light assemblies via a control module, such as a wireless gateway or hub. When a user manipulates the switch 40, the light switch board transmits a control signal. The control module receives the control signal, determines that the light switch plate 32 is paired with the smart light assembly, and transmits the control signal to the smart light assembly. The smart light assembly then executes the control signal and turns the light on or off as appropriate.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a light switch plate 32 according to one embodiment. The light switch board contains control circuitry 36 . The light switch board 32 further includes a battery 38 , a switch 40 , a transmitter 42 , a receiver 44 and a memory 46 , all of which are coupled to the control circuit 36 .

In one embodiment, the light switch plate 32 is configured to replace the conventional light switch plate 24 as previously described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B . The light switch plate 32 is configured to cover the conventional light switch 22 such that the conventional light switch 22 can no longer be manipulated while the light switch plate 32 is in place.

The light switch plate 32 is configured to send a control signal to the smart light assembly to turn the light of the smart light assembly on or off. In particular, a user may manipulate switch 40 to turn the light on and off. When a user manipulates switch 40, control circuit 36 causes transmitter 42 to transmit a control signal to the smart light assembly.

Accordingly, memory 46 is configured to store command codes for inclusion in the control signals. Memory 46 may also store software instructions executable by control circuitry 36 . When the user manipulates the switch 40, the control circuit 36 retrieves the command code from the memory 46 for inclusion in the control signal. The command code may include a code indicating a command to turn on, turn off, or dim the smart light. Memory 46 may include ROM, EEPROM, Flash memory, SRAM, DRAM, or any other suitable memory.

When the user manipulates the switch 40, the control circuit retrieves the command code from memory and modulates the transmitter 42 to transmit a control signal containing the command code.

In one embodiment, the light switch cover 32 also includes a receiver 44 . The receiver is operable to receive information from a smart light assembly or from a separate control module. In one example, the light switch board 32 receives a signal from the control module indicating that the light should be turned on. The receiver 44 of the light switch plate 32 receives this signal from the control module and passes the signal to the control circuit 36 . Control circuitry 36 processes incoming signals and causes transmitter 42 to transmit control signals based on signals received from the control module.

The battery 38 provides power to the control circuit 36 and other components of the light switch plate 32 . In one embodiment, control circuit 36 remains in sleep mode until switch 40 is manipulated. When switch 40 is manipulated, control circuit 36 receives an interrupt or wake-up signal and causes transmitter 42 to transmit a control signal. In this way, the circuit components of the light switch plate 32 consume very little energy from the battery 38 .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a smart light assembly 50 that may be used with the light switch plate 32 of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment. The smart light assembly 50 includes a light 52 that can be turned on or off. The smart light assembly 50 further includes an AC power input 54 that receives AC voltage from the electrical cord 30 as previously described. A rectifier 56 is coupled to the AC input 54 . Control circuit 60 is coupled to rectifier 56 . Receiver 62 , transmitter 64 , switch 55 and memory 66 are each coupled to control circuit 60 .

The AC input 54 receives AC voltage from the electrical line 30 as previously described. The AC voltage is passed to a rectifier 56 which rectifies the AC voltage and outputs a DC voltage. Rectifier 56 may typically include a step-down transformer to step down the voltage prior to rectifying the voltage. The rectifier 56 supplies DC power to the control circuit 60 . The control circuit 60 controls the receiver 62 , the transmitter 64 , the memory 66 and the switch 55 .

Receiver 62 is a wireless receiver (eg, an RF or IR receiver) configured to receive control signals from light switch plate 32, from a remote control, or from a control module. The control signal is configured to cause light assembly 50 to turn light 52 on or off.

When the receiver 62 receives the control signal, the receiver 62 passes the control signal to the control circuit 60 . The control circuit 60 processes the control signal and causes the switch 55 to supply off power to the lamp 52 .

Memory 66 stores command codes and executable software instructions for controlling circuit 60 . When the receiver 62 receives the control signal, the control circuit 60 processes the control signal and compares the command code in the control signal with the command code stored in the memory 66 . If the control signal corresponds to the command code stored in the memory 66 , the control circuit 60 executes the control signal and turns off the lamp 52 by operating the switch 55 . Memory 66 may include ROM, EEPROM, Flash memory, SRAM, DRAM, or any other suitable memory for storing information and data.

The control circuit 60 may also control the transmitter 64 to transmit a signal to a remote control, to the control module, or to the light switch plate 32 . Transmitter 64 is a wireless transmitter that can transmit wireless signals via RF or IR.

In one embodiment, the smart light assembly 50 operates according to ZigBee, Zwave, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocols. When utilizing the ZigBee protocol, the smart light assembly 50 is configured to both receive control signals and retransmit control signals intended for other ZigBee devices, such as other smart light assemblies or ZigBee-capable appliances.

Accordingly, receiver 62 may receive control signals intended for other devices. Control circuitry 60 processes the control signal and determines whether the control signal is intended for smart light assembly 50 or another appliance. If the control circuit 60 determines that the control signal is for another appliance, the control circuit 60 causes the transmitter 64 to retransmit the control signal to the other appliance. These other appliances may further repeat the control signal until the intended appliance receives and executes the control signal.

Receiver 62 may also receive status request signals. The status request signal may request the current status of the smart light assembly 50 . Control circuitry 60 processes the status request signal and determines whether the status request signal is for smart light assembly 50 or another appliance. If the status request signal is for smart light assembly 50, control circuit 60 may cause receiver 62 to transmit a status signal indicative of the smart assembly's current status. Whether the status signal indicator light 52 is on or off. If control circuit 60 determines that the status request signal is for another appliance, control circuit 60 causes transmitter 64 to repeat the status request signal.

Receiver 62 may also receive status signals from other appliances and may retransmit the status signals. In one embodiment, the control module initially issues a status request signal to determine the current status of all appliances in the home. A ZigBee-enabled appliance receives the signal and either repeats the signal if the signal is intended for other appliances or transmits a status signal if the status request signal is intended for that particular appliance. In this way, control signals, status request signals, and status signals can be communicated to the intended recipient in a network-like manner by adding multiple appliances to receive and retransmit the signals.

In one embodiment, light 52 includes one or more LEDs. The LED can be turned on or off when the control circuit 60 operates the switch 55 . Alternatively, lamp 52 may comprise other types of lamps, including incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, or other suitable types of lamps.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of a control module 68 configured to control and monitor all wireless appliances including the smart light assembly 50, according to one embodiment. The control module 68 includes a control circuit 70 , a transmitter 72 , a receiver 74 and a memory 76 .

In one embodiment, the control module 68 is configured to send control signals to a plurality of appliances including wireless receivers and transmitters. The control signal can turn the appliance on, turn it off, or cause the appliance to adjust its function in other ways.

In one embodiment, a user may manipulate a remote control to control the control module. For example, if a user wishes to turn off lights in a different part of the home, adjust a thermostat, or turn on sprinklers, the user may operate a remote control in communication with control module 68 . The receiver 74 of the control module 68 receives command signals from the remote control and the control circuit 70 processes the control signals from the remote control. The control circuit 70 then optionally causes the transmitter 72 to transmit the control signal to the desired appliance. The control signal causes the appliance to turn on, off or otherwise adjust its function based on user input.

Control circuitry 70 may also store data in memory 76 indicative of the current status of each appliance in the residence. For example, control circuit 70 may cause transmitter 72 to transmit status request signals to other appliances (eg, smart light assembly 50). The status request signal is received by the appliance and in reply the appliance transmits a status signal indicating the current status of the appliance. Receiver 74 receives the status signal and control circuit 70 processes the status signal. Control circuitry 70 then stores the current state of each appliance in memory 76 .

In one embodiment, when the light switch plate 32 transmits a command to the smart light assembly 50, the control module 68 receives the control signal, determines that the light switch plate 32 is paired with the smart light assembly 50, and transmits the control signal to the smart light assembly 50 pieces. The smart light assembly then executes the control signal and turns the light on or off as appropriate. Accordingly, the light switch plate 32 may transmit control signals to the smart light assembly via the control module 68 .

In one embodiment, control module 68 is a television receiver coupled to a television. Television receiver 68 may transmit control signals to control the appliance or optionally transmit status request signals. In addition to the control module components shown in FIG. 4 , television receiver 68 may further include video and audio output ports, video and audio input ports, video and audio processing circuitry, digital video recorder capabilities, and other suitable components.

Figure 5 illustrates a residential scenario in which light switch panels 32a and 32b are implemented. The residential scene includes a television receiver 68, two smart light assemblies 50a and 50b, a thermostat 82, and two light switch plates 32a and 32b. The light switch plates 32a and 32b include a wireless transmitter 42 as previously described.

The user 78 holds a remote control 80 through which the user can control the television receiver 68 . In particular, user 78 may operate remote control 80 to cause television receiver 68 to send control signals to smart light assemblies 50a and 50b. The smart light assemblies 50a and 50b receive the control signal and turn on or off.

Another user 81 may manipulate the switch 40 on the light switch plate 32a to send a control signal from the light switch plate 32a to the smart light assembly 50a. The control signal causes the smart light assembly 50a to be turned on or off.

The light switch plate 32b can send control signals to the smart light assembly 50b. The control signal causes the smart light assembly 50b to be turned on or off.

If television receiver 68 sends control signals to smart light assembly 50b, the control signals may be received by smart light assembly 50a. When smart light assembly 50a receives a control signal intended for 50b, smart light assembly 50a may retransmit the control signal. The thermostat 82 may receive the control signal when the control signal is re-emitted from the smart light assembly 50a. If thermostat 82 receives a control signal intended for smart light assembly 50b, then thermostat 82 retransmits the control signal. Smart assembly 50b receives the control signal from thermostat 82 and turns on or off according to the control signal. Accordingly, television receiver 68 can send control signals to remote appliances. Each electrical appliance that receives the control signal retransmits the control signal until the desired appliance has received and executed the control signal.

In the same way, the television receiver 68 can transmit a status request signal to every wireless-capable appliance in the house. The status request signal is received and retransmitted from the appliance until the desired appliance has received the status request signal. The appliances may then transmit status signals indicative of their respective current status. The appliances receive each other's status signals and transmit them until the television receiver 68 has received all of the status signals.

Although FIG. 5 discloses smart light assemblies 50a and 50b, thermostat 82, light switch plates 32b and 32a, and television receiver 68 each having wireless capabilities, in practice many other appliances may also have wireless capabilities. For example, garage door openers, computers, kitchen appliances, sprinkler systems, televisions, game consoles, and many other types of appliances may each include wireless capabilities. When operating or using this or other protocols, appliances may receive and retransmit signals until each appliance has received the intended signal. Alternatively, the signal may be broadcast via a wireless Internet network or any other suitable wireless transmission protocol.

FIG. 6 illustrates a smart light assembly 50 according to one embodiment. Smart light assembly 50 includes threaded AC input 54 , light 52 and circuit module 84 .

The circuit module 84 may include the circuit components disclosed with respect to FIG. 3 . Specifically, the circuit module 84 may include a voltage rectifier 56 , a control circuit 60 , a transmitter 64 , a receiver 62 , a memory 66 and a switch 55 .

The smart light assembly 50 includes a threaded AC input 54 that screws into a conventional light bulb socket. The smart light assembly 50 may receive control signals from the light switch plate 32, the control module 68, or other electrical appliances. The control signal causes smart light assembly 50 to illuminate light 52 .

In one embodiment, the lights 52 are LEDs that can be collectively or individually dismissed by the control circuit 60 . Alternatively, lamps 52 may be other types of lamps. Although FIG. 6 illustrates multiple lights 52, in other embodiments, smart light assembly 50b includes only a single light.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide other embodiments. All U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in this specification and/or listed on this Application Data Sheet are incorporated by reference in their entirety way incorporated into this article. Aspects of the described embodiments can be modified, if desired to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide other embodiments.

These and other changes can be made to the described embodiments in light of the above detailed description. Generally, in the appended claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be understood to include all possible embodiments as well as such claims. The full scope of equivalents to which the claim is authorized. Therefore, the claims do not limit the invention.

Claims (9)

CLAIMS 1. A system for wirelessly controlling a light assembly and corresponding light switch comprising: lamp assembly; a light switch plate including a protrusion configured to cover a first light switch electrically coupled to the light assembly by at least one electrical wire, the protrusion configured to prevent a user from moving operating the first light switch in addition to the light switch plate; a first wireless transmitter coupled to the light switch board; and a control module configured to transmit a first control signal to the light assembly, The lamp assembly contains: Wireless receiver; a control circuit coupled to the wireless receiver configured to receive the first control signal and communicate it to the control circuit configured to perform the first control Signal; a light coupled to the control circuit, the first wireless transmitter configured to transmit a second control signal to the light assembly, the wireless receiver configured to receive the second control signal and transmit which is communicated to the control circuit, and the control circuit is configured to turn the light on or off based on the second control signal; and a second wireless transmitter coupled to the control circuit configured to determine whether the first control signal is intended for the light assembly, the second wireless transmitter configured to operate at the The control circuit determines that the first control signal is intended for the second lamp assembly and retransmits the first control signal. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lamp assembly includes a voltage regulator coupled to the control circuit and configured to receive an AC voltage and output a DC voltage to the lamp. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the light assembly is configured to screw into a conventional threaded incandescent light bulb socket. 4. The system of claim 1 , comprising a second light switch coupled to the light switch plate and the first wireless transmitter, the second light switch configured such that The first wireless transmitter transmits the first control signal to the light assembly. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to transmit an interrogation signal to the light assembly, the control circuit configured to determine a current state of the light and cause the second A wireless transmitter transmits data indicative of the current state of the light to the control module. 6. The system of claim 1 , comprising a television receiver to which the control module is mounted, the television receiver being configured to receive commands from a user and respond to receiving commands from the The second control signal is transmitted in response to the user's command. 7. A method of wirelessly controlling a light assembly and corresponding light switch comprising: covering a first light switch with a light switch plate, the first light switch being electrically coupled to a first light assembly by at least one electrical wire and configured to turn on and off a light of the first light assembly; user operation of the first light switch without removing the light switch plate is prevented by the protrusion of the light switch plate; transmitting a control signal from a first wireless transmitter coupled to the light switch plate to the first light assembly; receiving the control signal in a wireless receiver of the first light assembly; determining whether the control signal is intended for the first lamp assembly; In response to determining that the control signal is intended for the first light assembly, communicating the control signal to a control circuit coupled to the wireless receiver and performing the control by outputting a switching signal from the control circuit signal; and The control signal is transmitted from a second wireless transmitter coupled to the control circuit to a second light assembly in response to determining that the control signal is not intended for the first light assembly. 8. The method of claim 7, comprising transmitting the control signal in response to receiving a user input on a second light switch coupled to the light switch plate. 9. The method of claim 7, comprising: receiving an interrogation signal in the wireless receiver; and A response signal containing data indicative of a present state of the light is transmitted from the second wireless transmitter coupled to the control circuit.